Newcastle United continues to monitor younger midfield options despite significantly reshaping Matthias Jaissle’s squad during the summer, and one player the club unsuccessfully pursued before his move to Portugal reportedly remains on the Magpies’ radar.
According to TransferFeed, Newcastle is still interested in Sporting midfielder Issa Doumbia after attempting to hijack the Portuguese club’s summer move for the 22-year-old from Venezia.
“Newcastle United interfered in Sporting’s pursuit of Issa
Doumbia when he was at Venezia, but the Portuguese club’s approach was more appealing,” TransferFeed wrote.
The report added that Newcastle simply acted too late, with Doumbia already convinced by Sporting’s project despite what were described as “strong but failed attempts” to change his destination.
According to the report, Newcastle had monitored the Italy international during his time at Venezia and reportedly continues to consider him a target. Juventus, Roma and Brentford are also credited with interest, while other Premier League clubs are believed to be monitoring his progress.
“Newcastle, which monitored Doumbia last season, continues to consider him a target,” TransferFeed reported.
Doumbia eventually joined Sporting in July for a reported €20 million base fee and signed a contract through 2031. That agreement is said to contain an €80 million release clause, significantly strengthening Sporting’s negotiating position only months after his arrival.
The midfielder has four senior caps for Italy and has appeared in eight Liga Portugal games, assisting once, while also making three Champions League appearances, scoring one goal. Before his move to Sporting, Doumbia played 37 Serie B games for Venezia last year, scoring eight goals and assisting on four.
Should Newcastle return for Doumbia despite Sporting’s €80 million clause, or has that ship already sailed? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account at Coming Home Newcastle and get:
- Create community posts on The Feed for everyone to read
- Comment on all articles and community posts
- Recommend comments and community posts
- Enjoy a new, improved notifications system
- Fewer ads
